Comparison

VADrum2 vs Prism MIDI Sequencer

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

VADrum2

Create electronic music with a virtual analog drum machine. Features a synthesizer with 27 voices, built-in effects, and a powerful sequencer. Save projects to iCloud and use it as a standalone app or an Audio Unit Extension.

Highlights
  • 27 virtual analog and sample playback drum voices
  • Integrated delay, chorus, flanger, reverb, EQ, and compressor
  • 16-bar pattern sequencer with parameter automation
  • Stand-alone app and AUv3 extension support
  • Ableton Link and Bluetooth MIDI compatibility
  • iCloud Drive project saving
  • Universal Purchase for iOS and macOS
Features
Read full description

VADrum2 is a virtual analog drum machine for iPhone, iPad and Mac. VADrum2 consists of drum synthesizer, effects and a sequencer. The drum synthesizer includes 27 drum voices, which are 23 virtual analog modules and 4 sample playback modules and they are inspired by the iconic analog drum machines of the 1980’s. The Effects includes delay, chorus, flanger, reverb, eq, and compressor. The sequencer offers ability to program 16 bar pattern per clip and parameter automation. Project files can be saved in iCloud Drive. VADrum2 works as a stand alone or as an Audio Unit Extension (AUv3). Stand Alone supports Ableton Link, Bluetooth MIDI and MIDI IN/OUT. Main Features Drum Synthesizer - 27 drum synthesizer modules (24 virtual analog and 4 sample playback) Sequencer - 16 bar patterns per clip. Total 16 clips. - Parameter automation. Audio Export - Linear PCM format (AIFF, WAV and CAF) and compressed format (AAC) - Support iCloud Drive. - Support Universal Purchase (Works on iOS devices and macOS devices) - Support Ableton Link, Bluetooth MIDI, MIDI In / Out. - Support Audio Unit Extension (AUv3) System Requirements - AudioUnit Extension (AUv3) requires host application which support AudioUnit Extension. - AudioUnit Extension (AUv3) is supported by Apple Garage Band on iOS and macOS, and Apple Logic on Mac. For any other DAW, it depends on the application and some of them don’t support AudioUnit Extension (AUv3).

About

Prism MIDI Sequencer

This app is a powerful 16-track MIDI step sequencer designed for iOS devices. It allows users to create complex musical patterns with high resolution, elastic timing, and per-step control. It integrates with external synths and samplers, offering extensive features for melody, harmony, and drum sequencing.

Highlights
  • 16-track AUv3 MIDI step sequencer
  • High resolution and elastic timing
  • Per-step control and step FX
  • Scale modes and flow modes for tonal tracks
  • 16 mini-sequencers per drum track
  • LFOs, arpeggiator, and generative tools
  • Scene and mute profile performance modes
Read full description

Prism is a 16-track AUv3 MIDI step sequencer for iPhone and iPad that turns sparks of inspiration into living, breathing music. It’s built for touch and flow—pair it with your favorite synths, samplers, drum apps, and gear. Key Features ------------- [ Sequencing Engine ] ---------------------- - High resolution: 1/32 steps, up to 512 trigs/pattern, swing, polyphony, micro-timing per step - Elastic timing: per-sequence lengths plus smooth speed changes for real polyrhythm/polymeter - Per-step control: parameter locks and Step FX - Playback modes: Standard, Overlap, Trig Legato, Drone - Capture everything: live record with quantize, retroactive recording (always listening), and tap-in steps - Human feel & probability: Chance, Every, Hold, Range, Accent [ Tonal Tracks (Melody & Harmony) ] ------------------------------------ - Always in key: scale modes across the app (use built-in scales or create your own) - Note input modes: Poly, Chord Simple, Chord Multi, Chord Blocks - Flow modes (musical logic): Standard, Peek, Echo, Melt, Mirror - Per-Trig Step FX: Velocity, Pitch, Ratchet, Strum - Multi-Seq: 4 independent sequencers per tonal track to weave interlocking parts - Import and edit .MIDI files [ Drum Tracks (Kits & Samplers) ] ---------------------------------- - 16 mini-sequencers per drum track with independent settings, FX, and controls - Modular linking, advanced layering, and Drum↔Tone interactions for shared timing tricks - Drum profiles for fast kit routing and universal connectivity - Per-Trig Step FX (drum): Velocity, Length, Ratchet, Flam [ Modulation, Generative & Creative Tools ] ------------------------------------------- - 6 LFOs per track (track-tied and CC-tied) for tempo-synced movement and evolving patterns - Per-track/pattern 16-step Arpeggiator—from classic to experimental - Harmonizer and Hue Sequencer for chord color and phrase rotation - Tape-style MIDI Slicer & Looper (per track/pattern) for instant remixing - Smart randomizers: one-tap generation for drum patterns, sequences, and fx. [ Performance, Workflow & UI ] ------------------------------ - Scenes, mute profiles, and bar looper to play, capture, and perform. - Fast edits: copy, paste, multi-select, quick duplicate - Multi-touch keypad matrix & sequencer for hands-on control - Light & Dark themes - Host-aware saving (internal presets + AUv3 state) [ Hardware & Host Integration ] ------------------------------- - Deep, bi-directional control for Novation Launchpad (Pro, Mk3, Mini, X) and Launchkey Mini MK4 with LED feedback & mappings - External MIDI in/out/thru, per-track channel routing - AUv3 works in leading hosts (e.g., AUM, Logic Pro for iPad) [ Timing & Specs ] ------------------- - High-precision engine: 480 PPQN for tight playback at any tempo - iPhone & iPad AUv3 (MIDI-only; no built-in sounds) ---------- Find more info at sites.google.com/view/prism-midi-sequencer/home Happy creating, y’all. —A Mortal Mage

Screenshots

VADrum24 screens
Prism MIDI Sequencer4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: VADrum2 at none against Prism MIDI Sequencer's 5. VADrum2 also leads on price ($14.99 vs $19.99) and device support (4 vs 2). Prism MIDI Sequencer's advantage is update cadence (every 2 weeks vs every 5 months) and rating (4.8 vs 4.5). On review sentiment, ratings volume and ads there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

VADrum2 costs $14.99 and Prism MIDI Sequencer $19.99 up front. Prism MIDI Sequencer sells 5 one-off in-app purchases. VADrum2 asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Prism MIDI Sequencer holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.5. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 16 and 33 respectively. Written reviews split almost evenly too, at 86% and 86% positive.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

VADrum2 ships an update every 5 months, Prism MIDI Sequencer every 2 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 12, 2026 and October 14, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard7 real differences · 3 level
VADrum2 versus Prism MIDI Sequencer: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterVADrum2Prism MIDI Sequencer
Price$14.99 — better$19.99
Rating4.5 (16 ratings)4.8 (33 ratings) — better
Positive reviews85.7% of reviews85.7% of reviews
Number of ratings1633 — better
Update frequencyEvery 5 monthsEvery 2 weeks — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationPaidFree with in-app purchases — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — betteriPhone, iPad
Requires iOS14.5 — better16.0
Further details — not scored
Size27 MB55 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperRyo TogawaTyler Quatraro

Customer experience

VADrum2

All ratings16 ratings
Positive87.5%
Neutral6.3%
Negative6.3%
Written reviews7 reviews
Positive85.7%
Neutral0.0%
Negative14.3%

Prism MIDI Sequencer

All ratings33 ratings
Positive93.9%
Neutral3.0%
Negative3.0%
Written reviews21 reviews
Positive85.7%
Neutral4.8%
Negative9.5%

In-app purchases

None

VADrum2

No in-app purchases

5 purchases

Prism MIDI Sequencer

One-time5
  • LFO Extension$4.99
  • Step FX$4.99
  • Multi-Sequencer [Tone Tracks]$4.99
Show 2 more
  • Launchkey Mini MK4 Control$4.99
  • Euclidean Sequencer Extension$4.99

Questions

Is VADrum2 free?
VADrum2 costs $14.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is Prism MIDI Sequencer free?
Prism MIDI Sequencer costs $19.99, and also offers in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, VADrum2 or Prism MIDI Sequencer?
Prism MIDI Sequencer is rated higher. VADrum2 averages 4.5 out of 5 from 16 ratings, while Prism MIDI Sequencer averages 4.8 from 33 ratings.
Do VADrum2 or Prism MIDI Sequencer have ads?
Neither VADrum2 nor Prism MIDI Sequencer shows ads.
Which is updated more often, VADrum2 or Prism MIDI Sequencer?
VADrum2 ships an update every 5 months, and Prism MIDI Sequencer every 2 weeks. Most recently, VADrum2 was updated on October 12, 2026 and Prism MIDI Sequencer on October 14, 2026.

Other comparisons